21 September 2017

Print Trailblazer, final chance for feedback

In March 2015, we informed the industry that the employer-led submission to develop new apprenticeship standards for the printing industry had been successful. In September 2016 we asked the industry for their feedback on the new apprenticeship print standards for Pre-Press Operator, Press Operator and Post-Press Operator, created by a leading a group of print employers and leading sector organisations, including the BPIF led by James Buffoni of Ryedale Group.

James Buffoni explained, "This new standard has been designed for employers by a strong employer-led consortium - it is therefore a practical document designed to help employers to remove risk of recruiting an apprentice by providing a framework through which they can identify, attract and engage with young people, as well as providing a standard of expectations for their development."

"The trailblazer scheme has helped to clarify 3 main points: firstly a confident message about why contemporary print is attractive - we need to show young people that contemporary print is alive and kicking. Secondly it clarifies the journey that fresh, young talent and employers can make to work together successfully in three specific print roles. Thirdly the Trailblazer standard plugs that gap by identifying - in plain English - what skills, knowledge and behaviours that a young person would need to succeed in that role."

Ursula Daly, BPIF Programme Director, states "this standard upon which all new apprenticeships will be based will benefit the whole industry and industry feedback has been crucial to enable its creation. The initial document was distributed to a small group of printers who registered interest when the process of review was started. Feedback gained from this initial consultation was taken on board by the consortium, allowing them to produce the current version. Any printer who would like to still provide feedback has until the 8 September to do so."

This standard is intended to be a concise document written in clear and simple language that describes the full competence for the occupations in terms of skills, knowledge and behaviours. The language used has been chosen carefully so that all new and potential apprentices and their families will be able to understand what is involved in these roles. 

To view the document click here: (consultation now closed)